India’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on February 11 that state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver four more Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) to the Indian Air Force in March 2019 bringing the total number of Tejas fighters operated by the service to 16.
Source: https://thediplomat.com/2019/02/indi…in-march-2019/
At last dekvery of a squadron’s worth of Tejas is soon to be completed. Better many years late than never!
Referring to bkacarcher’s post above, I note that the ADA Combat Aircraft Progtamme Director says “… we are confident the first FOC aircraft can be delivered by HAL before October 2019.” Why a half year delay between delivery of the last IOC Tejas and the first FOC?
Interview with HAL CMD R. Madhvan published 22nd March 2019:
t is being said that HAL will face massive order issues after 2020. Besides, the proposal for 83 Tejas is yet to be converted into an actual order. What is the real picture?
We have enough orders for the next four years. The proposal for 83 LCA is likely to be converted into a firm order very soon. To augment our production, a parallel production line may be developed at AMD Nashik and work shall commence there after completion of Su-30 MKI aircraft if sufficient order for LCA is placed with HAL. Proposals for design and development of 15 LCA, supply of six Cheetal helicopters and 150 Al-31 FP engines are with the Ministry of Defence and likely to be approved soon.
Source: http://www.businessworld.in/article/…2-2018-165552/
It sounds to me that a delay in Mk1A production is on the cards – things don’t get made if a decision to make them is not taken.
There are reports of positive reaction to Tejas Mk1 by IAF pilots. If these are of value (ie not simply because Tejas is an Indian design), I suggest inow would be a good time to order another 16-20 Mk1 FOC aircraft.
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